Appeals allowed at 15-16 Brunswick Square, Bristol and Foxes Run, Castle Cary
CSJ Planning has won two separate appeals at 15-16 Brunswick Square, Bristol and Foxes Run, Castle Cary.
At Brunswick Square, Bristol an application to change the use from a private members club (Sui generis) to office space (Use Class B1) together with the substantial refurbishment of the two listed buildings was refused, citing the unacceptable loss of the community use.
CSJ were appointed to appeal the decision and produce the case for the appellant at Inquiry. Convincing evidence was prepared and presented at the Inquiry to demonstrate that the heritage benefits, through the refurbishment and enhancement of the listed buildings outweighed any loss of community use.
The Inspector sided with the appellant, agreeing that “the loss of a community facility must be balanced against the need to preserve and secure a commercially viable future for these designated heritage assets, following a period of neglect and underuse. As such, the appeal scheme would protect and restore the special interest and significance of the buildings, whilst drawing in the investment necessary for their long-term maintenance, as well as supporting a number of development plan priorities. Such considerations clearly outweigh polices seeking to protect community facilities”.
At Foxes Run, Castle Cary, CSJ were appointed to take over the management of an appeal together with attendance at the Appeal Hearing.
The application comprised a full planning application for 27 residential dwellings located within an allocated site in Castle Cary. The application was refused by South Somerset District Council on four grounds, all relating to substandard highway access and its detrimental impact on the amenity of nearby existing occupants.
The Inspector dismissed the reasons for refusal following detailed evidence and allowed the appeal, agreeing that “The proposal would have the significant benefits of providing additional housing to the local supply, particularly in light of the Council currently not being able to demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites, including needed affordable housing. It would also be likely to have short term local economic benefits relating to the construction phase in terms of jobs and support of building suppliers. Additionally, it would be in a sustainable location on the edge of the town in terms of accessibility to local services and facilities to serve the day to day needs of prospective residents. Despite the partial conflict with saved policy proposal HG/CACA/2, it would therefore be a sustainable form of development.”
